29th August 2016 - LÉ James Joyce Rescues 165* Migrants.

Earlier today, following a request from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre, the LÉ James Joyce successfully located and rescued a total of 165* migrants in three separate vessels during search and rescue operations conducted 40 Nautical Miles NE of Tripoli.

During the first operation, 15* migrants were rescued from a wooden vessel located 40 Nautical Miles NE of Tripoli. The rescue commenced at 6.40am and all migrants were taken on board LÉ James Joyce and are now receiving food, water and medical treatment where required.

The LÉ James Joyce was re-tasked to assist with the rescue of a further 150* people from two rubber vessels located 40 Nautical Miles NE of Tripoli. The second rescue commenced at 7.50am and all migrants are currently on board.

A further search and rescue operation is currently underway.

*Figures for today's operation are provisional until confirmed by the Italian authorities.

The LÉ James Joyce departed Naval Service Headquarters in Haulbowline, Cork to assist the Italian Authorities in the humanitarian search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean on the 2nd of May. The ship’s search and rescue operations began on 8 Iúil 2016.

The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea is provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations.

LÉ James Joyce has rescued 1,111 people to date (excluding the current rescue).